HEARTFELT tribute has been paid to a 16-year-old student killed at a railway crossing by the college where he had just started a course.

Aidan Mazurke died after being struck by a train at Kildwick.

Today, distraught bosses at Keighley College – where the teenager had begun a fabrication and welding course – said everyone at the campus was devastated.

"All our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with Aidan's family and friends," said curriculum and operations director, Heather Whitehead.

"Aidan had made a great start on his course and showed tremendous potential.

"Staff and students are devastated by this tragedy and the college will be supporting them through this difficult time."

Officers from British Transport Police and paramedics were called to the railway crossing at about 10.50pm on Monday.

Aidan was pronounced dead at the scene.

This week his family issued a tribute to their "loving son, brother and grandson".

And South Craven School at Cross Hills, where the youngster was a former pupil, said his death was a "tragic loss".

Support and counselling is being offered to fellow pupils and staff, plus Aidan's ex-schoolmates.

The tribute from his family said: “Yesterday our lives changed forever when we lost Aidan. He was a loving son, brother and grandson and it is going to take a long time for this to seem real.

“Aidan was a loving son, a fantastic brother and a loved grandson and we know how much he meant to his friends, family and everyone who came into contact with him.”

Officers from BTP were called to the crossing, between Kildwick and Cross Hills, at approximately 10.50pm yesterday and attended alongside paramedics from the Yorkshire Ambulance Service.

A spokesman said 16-year-old boy could not be saved and he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was formally identified today.

DI Mick Jackson form British Transport Police, said: “The news of this young boy’s death has come as a complete shock to the family who are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

“Whilst this incident is not being treated as suspicious, my detectives are currently examining the circumstances leading to him being on the tracks. We will now prepare a file for the coroner.” 

South Craven School deputy head Jo Daly this afternoon said students and staff had been shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden and unexpected death of a former pupil.

She said: “This is a tragic loss to the South Craven School community.  We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the family. 

“Students were informed of this tragic incident through a special assembly and parents of students in Year 12 have been informed.  In response the school has provided counselling and support to our young people and staff.”

Local people today have been leaving messages of condolence on the Craven Herald's Facebook site after learning of last night’s incident.

If you want to leave your own tribute to Aidan, you can do so in the comments on this story.